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Counseling Kickoff

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Lesson Plan

Counseling Kickoff Lesson Plan

In this 20-minute one-on-one session, students will build initial rapport, identify and practice two coping strategies, and set one personal goal for social-emotional growth.

Establishing trust and introducing basic coping skills early helps 6th graders below grade level feel supported, reduces anxiety, and lays groundwork for future counseling success.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Engage through rapport-building, interactive activities, and goal-setting.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Counseling Session

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Rapport Building

5 minutes

  • Greet student warmly; use their name and a friendly tone
  • Ask two informal get-to-know-you questions (favorite hobby, weekend activity)
  • Share one fact about yourself to model openness
  • Note any nonverbal cues; allow extra pauses for processing (IEP strategy)

Step 2

Icebreaker Activity

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Getting-to-Know-You Worksheet
  • Guide student to complete 3 sections: “My Strengths,” “My Worries,” “Something I’m Proud Of”
  • Read questions aloud if needed; offer clarifications in simple language (IEP strategy)
  • Encourage student to elaborate at their own pace

Step 3

Coping Strategies Introduction

5 minutes

  • Present Coping Strategies Cards
  • Model two quick strategies (deep breathing, positive self-talk) using the cards
  • Invite student to practice each once; give constructive, brief feedback
  • Reference the Emotion Wheel Visual Aid to label feelings

Step 4

Goal Setting & Closing

5 minutes

  • Transition to Student Counseling Journal Template
  • Ask student to write/draw one small goal (e.g., “I will practice breathing when I feel anxious”)
  • Provide sentence starters if needed (IEP strategy)
  • Summarize session and praise effort
  • Confirm next appointment and encourage student to bring the journal
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Counseling!

• Hi, I’m [Counselor Name]
• In our sessions, we’ll talk, learn coping strategies, and set goals
• Today: Get to know each other and try a breathing exercise

Welcome the student warmly. Introduce yourself and explain that this is a safe, friendly space. Emphasize confidentiality and support.

Building Rapport

• What’s your favorite hobby?
• Tell me one thing you did this weekend
• One thing I like is ✧ [your fun fact] ✧

Use the student’s name frequently. Ask open-ended questions and share one fun fact about yourself. Allow extra processing time per IEP accommodations.

Icebreaker: Getting-to-Know-You Worksheet

Let’s fill out three quick sections:

  1. My Strengths
  2. My Worries
  3. Something I’m Proud Of

Grab the Getting-to-Know-You Worksheet and go at your own pace.

Introduce the worksheet. Read each prompt aloud if needed and allow the student to write or draw. Praise any effort.

Coping Strategies

  1. Deep Breathing (☁️ In for 4, out for 4)
  2. Positive Self-Talk (“I can handle this”)

Use the Coping Strategies Cards and the Emotion Wheel Visual Aid.

Show the cards face-up. Model deep breathing (count to four) and a short self-talk statement. Use the Emotion Wheel to name how breathing changes feelings.

Goal Setting

• What’s one small thing you can try this week?
• Example: “I will practice breathing when I feel anxious.”

Write or draw your goal in the Student Counseling Journal Template.

Transition calmly. Provide sentence starters like “My goal is…” or “I will try to…” Write or draw to suit the student.

Closing & Next Steps

• Great work today!
• We’ll meet again on [Date/Time]
• Bring your journal and any thoughts you want to share

Summarize the student’s goal and achievements. Reinforce next steps and appointment. Encourage bringing the journal next time.

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Worksheet

Getting-to-Know-You Worksheet

Welcome! Let’s start by sharing a little about you. You can write or draw your answers below.

1. My Strengths

List two or three things you’re good at or enjoy doing:







2. My Worries

What makes you feel nervous or worried sometimes? Write or draw below:







3. Something I’m Proud Of

Think of something you’ve done or achieved that makes you proud. Share it here:







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Activity

Coping Strategies Cards

Use these cards to learn and practice quick coping strategies when you feel anxious or upset. Each card has an icon, a simple title, and easy-to-follow steps. Pick a card, read the instructions, and try the strategy right away.

☁️ Deep Breathing

  1. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
  2. Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds through your nose.
  3. Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
  4. Exhale slowly for 4 seconds through your mouth.
  5. Repeat 3 times and notice how your body feels calmer.






💬 Positive Self-Talk

  1. Think of a calming phrase, like “I can handle this.”
  2. Say it quietly or in your mind when you feel anxious.
  3. Repeat the phrase 3 times while taking deep breaths.
  4. Notice any change in how you feel or think about the situation.






🖐️ 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

  1. Name 5 things you can see around you.
  2. Name 4 things you can touch.
  3. Name 3 things you can hear.
  4. Name 2 things you can smell.
  5. Name 1 thing you can taste.
  6. Focus on each sense to bring your attention back to the present.






💪 Progressive Muscle Relaxation

  1. Start by tensing a muscle group (e.g., arms) for 5 seconds.
  2. Release and notice the difference in tension.
  3. Move to the next group (shoulders, face, legs).
  4. Continue until you’ve relaxed each group from head to toe.






🌟 Guided Visualization

  1. Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths.
  2. Imagine a calm, safe place (beach, forest, or bedroom).
  3. Notice details: colors, sounds, textures.
  4. Stay there for 1–2 minutes, breathing slowly.
  5. Open your eyes and check how you feel.






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Reading

Emotion Wheel Visual Aid

This wheel shows six core emotions and some related feelings. Use it to help name and understand what you’re feeling.

EmotionColor IndicatorRelated Feelings
Anger🔴 RedFrustration, Irritation, Rage
Sadness🔵 BlueDisappointment, Lonely, Sorrow
Joy🟡 YellowExcitement, Contentment, Pride
Fear🟣 PurpleNervousness, Worry, Scared
Surprise🟠 OrangeAmazement, Shock, Curiosity
Calm🟢 GreenPeacefulness, Relaxation, Serenity

How to use this wheel:

  1. Look at each emotion and its color.
  2. Identify which core emotion matches how you feel.
  3. Choose one related feeling word to describe your experience.
  4. If you need more detail, think about why you feel that way.

Keep this wheel handy during our sessions to help you name your feelings and practice coping strategies.

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Journal

Student Counseling Journal Template

Use this journal after each session to reflect, set goals, and track your progress. Write or draw as much as you like—it’s your space!

Session Date

Write today’s date:







Mood Check

Look at the Emotion Wheel Visual Aid and choose one or two feelings that match how you feel right now. Explain why:












Coping Strategies I Practiced

Which strategy from the Coping Strategies Cards did you try? How did it help you?












Reflection on Last Goal

My previous goal was:







Did I practice it? What went well? What was challenging?












New Goal for Next Session

What is one small, achievable goal you will work on before we meet again? (e.g., “I will practice deep breathing when I feel anxious.”)







Something I’m Proud Of

Share one thing you did or said today that makes you proud:







Additional Thoughts or Drawing

Use the space below to write or draw anything else on your mind:












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Worksheet

Printable Coping Strategies Cards

Print on letter-size paper (double-sided if you like), cut along the lines, and laminate for reuse. Each page has two rows of two cards.

Page 1

☁️ Deep Breathing💬 Positive Self-Talk
1. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
2. Breathe in for 4 seconds through your nose.
3. Hold for 2 seconds.
4. Exhale for 4 seconds through your mouth.
5. Repeat 3 times and notice your body calming.		1. Think of a calming phrase, e.g., “I can handle this.”
2. Say it quietly or in your mind when you feel anxious.
3. Repeat 3 times while taking deep breaths.
4. Notice any change in how you feel or think.
🖐️ 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding💪 Progressive Muscle Relaxation
1. Name 5 things you can see.
2. Name 4 things you can touch.
3. Name 3 things you can hear.
4. Name 2 things you can smell.
5. Name 1 thing you can taste.
6. Focus on each sense to feel present.		1. Tense a muscle group (e.g., arms) for 5 seconds.
2. Release and notice the change.
3. Move to the next group (shoulders, face, legs).
4. Continue head to toe until relaxed.

Page 2

🌟 Guided Visualization✏️ Your Own Strategy
1. Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths.
2. Imagine a calm, safe place (beach, forest, bedroom).
3. Notice colors, sounds, textures.
4. Stay there 1–2 minutes, breathing slowly.
5. Open eyes and check how you feel.		Write or draw a strategy you’d like to try:





➕ Blank Card➕ Blank Card
Create another coping tool:





Notes or doodles:





Cut each card out and use in session or keep on hand!

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Counseling Kickoff • Lenny Learning